By Awyetu Asabe Hope
A 20-year-old man, Aliyu Nuhu, allegedly had a five-inch nail hammered into his head by vigilante members over claims he stole a chicken in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The victim’s father, Mallam Salisu Nuhu, said he had asked his son to sell a chicken at the market when vigilantes arrested him on suspicion of theft. He alleged that during interrogation, they drove a nail into his son’s skull.
According to him, the vigilantes initially demanded ₦5,000 for bail but later released the boy.
The injury was discovered at home, prompting a return to the vigilante office before the victim was taken to a chemist and later referred to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika.
The nail reportedly remained lodged in his head for 13 days before it was surgically removed.
The family said they spent over ₦800,000 on treatment.
The victim identified one Nuhu Dan Banga as the attacker.
The Divisional Police Officer of Zaria City Division, Nura Abubakar, confirmed the incident, stating that one suspect had been arrested while another is at large.
He said investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be prosecuted.
